Exploring the medieval village
The Château du Géant and the Legend of the Magpie
Over the centuries, numerous legends have grown up around the arrival of William or Guilhem in the wild Gellone Valley. The most curious of them is related to the chateau, which dates back to the Visigoths and dominates the village, its last remaining wall spans still standing out proudly against the sky.
It was, apparently, the home of a cruel and bloodthirsty giant, whom William turned out of the chateau with a cunning trick. William entered the chateau concealed beneath the clothes of a serving woman, but was recognised by a magpie, the giant's faithful companion.
The bird immediately cried out, "Beware, Giant, here comes William to kill you!" A terrible fight ensured, at the end of which the giant was hurled down from his rock. Magpies, the giant's accomplices, were banished from the valley forever. Even today they are not allowed to survive for more than three days.
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It was, apparently, the home of a cruel and bloodthirsty giant, whom William turned out of the chateau with a cunning trick. William entered the chateau concealed beneath the clothes of a serving woman, but was recognised by a magpie, the giant's faithful companion.
The bird immediately cried out, "Beware, Giant, here comes William to kill you!" A terrible fight ensured, at the end of which the giant was hurled down from his rock. Magpies, the giant's accomplices, were banished from the valley forever. Even today they are not allowed to survive for more than three days.
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